Is there a better name for "citizen science"?

[Couchyam]

The term Citizen Science has, at least according to wikipedia, existed for at least several decades. Is it time to come up with a hip new 21st century moniker? Or are we happy with "Citizen Science" as it is?

 

[Klystron]

From your source:

"Citizen scientist" is defined as: (a) "a scientist whose work is characterized by a sense of responsibility to serve the best interests of the wider community (now rare)"; or (b) "a member of the general public who engages in scientific work, often in collaboration with or under the direction of professional scientists and scientific institutions; an amateur scientist".

My understanding of the term 'citizen scientist' resides primarily in the first definition. Citizen scientist denoted responsible search for knowledge of benefit to the body politic with connotations of professional ethics. If, as the encyclopedia authors note, this definition has become rare, then perhaps the shift in meaning toward amateur collaborators has already happened.

 

[Couchyam]

It just occurred to me that one potentially crucial distinction between Citizen Science and Amateur Science is that the word 'citizen' suggests a kind of civic connection that might not always exist in the amateur setting, and which could be understood in various ways (for example, that the science is in service of society, or that it is accountable to some kind of government or community oversight.) Might there be potentially significant differences in what options are available to respect (or even completely understand) accountability, between amateur and citizen science?

 

[Klystron]

Might there be potentially significant differences in what options are available to respect (or even completely understand) accountability, between amateur and citizen science?

I commend your emphasis on accountability as opposed to arguing priority or for credit for a discovery or technological advancement. Examples from the history of science may be illuminating.

Prior to USA official involvement on the side of the Allies in WWII, a group of students and young scientists approached a physics professor at UC Berkeley, J. Robert Oppenheimer, to evaluate emerging technology including radio and radar, with potential wartime significance and to notify government officials. This was a separate endeavor from Leo Szilard's "Einstein letter" warning President Roosevelt about the dangers posed by nuclear fission experiments.

At that time much electronic and aerodynamic science and engineering involved amateur societies around the world who would trade data, information and equipment designs. These amateur groups often included a prestigious professional in the field, not just for the attached respect, but for improved access to information and to help keep their efforts on track. Oppenheimer advised both amateur physics societies and graduate students including members who would later join him in the Manhattan Engineering Project.

Fast forward to the aftermath of WWII where Oppenheimer steadfastly accepted responsibility for the development and deployment of Allied nuclear weapons. Oppenheimer went on record, much to the detriment of his professional career, opposing development and proliferation of thermonuclear weapons. Oppenheimer used his office as head of the Atomic Energy Commission to direct efforts toward peaceful use of atomic energy.

Oppenheimer represents the quintessential 'citizen-scientist'; leading and advising amateur and professional scientists, mathematicians and engineers; always accountable in public for the results of his actions.